My cat

Monthly Archives: June 2014

Lots of people have difficulties along the way after they adopt a cat. Learning about cats can help make your time together more productive. Lovably unpredictable cats can still come up with ways to flummox even the most well-prepared new owner, though. The best plan is to use the tips in this article to prepare yourself and then expect to be surprised.

Make sure your cat is always groomed. You should comb and/or brush them on a regular basis. Do this often in order to aid in keeping your cat’s outer coat clean and healthy. It also helps to reduce their shedding and can cut down on how many times they are spitting up hairballs. Keeping a cat well groomed basically helps keep them looking their best, along with your home.

Ensure that your cat goes to the vet often so that they are healthy. They should go at least once yearly for a check-up, and more often if they need any shots. Cats should go to a vet immediately if they have any conditions, health problems, or injuries that need to be tended to right away.

It is a good idea to microchip your cat. Even cats that live their lives entirely indoors can suddenly escape out a window or door. A collar and identification tags can help bring your pet back to you. But experts point out that collars that do not snap apart quickly if your cat gets it caught on a branch or even a bush can accidentally strangle your cat. Your name and the best way to contact you can be encoded on the chip, which is tiny. Most shelters and veterinarians can scan your pet to read the information on the chip, and the chip cannot be lost since it is beneath the skin.

You should never allow your cat to be bored all the time. They need exercise and they get it through play. Unfortunately, many owners do not realize this important part of ownership. Bored cats can suffer from depression, extreme compulsive disorders, and other harmful issues that can negatively impact their overall health and well-being. Give them toys and things to do. If they are indoors, give them a scratching post or something to climb on.

Litter Box

You have to place a litter box correctly. Don’t put it close to your cat’s food or in an area that gets too much traffic. It is also advisable to keep the litter box area ventilated to control odor. This will keep both you and your cat happy.

If you’re traveling with your cat, take care to remember their ears. You may think it’s a good idea to listen to loud music on your stereo, but cats generally don’t enjoy this. Keep your music off, and talk to your cat instead.

If you’re thinking about raising an outdoor cat, you should strongly reconsider. It can be unsafe. Your cat may get fleas or something even worse than that. Additionally, your cat is likely to be injured by cars or other animals. If your cat has to be outside, make sure it is only in a small area near the house.

You shouldn’t leave a young cat with children unattended. Kids under five should not be left alone with a pet. They are just not mature enough to understand the danger they can pose for the kitten. As children grow, it will be easier to see if they’re mature enough to handle a cat.

Litter Box

Never punish the cat if he or she causes a mess outside the litter box. Often, this happens when the litter box is dirty. The cat will be fearful of you if you punish it.

Carriers are great devices for you to have as a cat owner. Cats can’t be punished like dogs. They are much better with encouragement. Leave your cat carrier open and put a few special toys inside. Soon that cat will walk into the carrier on its own. It will be simpler to transport them using the carrier.

You cat will not be likely to be a finicky eater if you vary the type of food you are feeding from time to time. If you raise your kitten with the same food for their entire life, this can become the only type of food they will willingly eat.

No matter what cat you have, these tips can work to train them. The concepts you just went over are the basics and can help you to raise a cat so that it’s a happy and healthy animal the rest of its life. If you’re not having fun after you adopt a cat, there is a serious problem.

Having a cat in your home can be a wonderful experience. Cat owners need to learn proper cat care and learn all that they can so that their companion can live a fulfilling and healthy life. You can use the great advice in this article to begin learning all you need to know.

Cats enjoy getting into spaces that are small. If your cat is such a curious one, wearing a collar is a safety risk, as your feline might get stuck because of it while exploring. Therefore, use a breakaway collar that will come undone whenever it’s being pulled very tightly. This kind of collar can turn a potentially-dangerous situation into a merely exasperating one.

If your cat is female, then ensure you spay her as soon as you can. Even if she is an inside cat, you need to spay her because she could get out. Your best bet is to have your female cat spayed.

When you get a cat for your kids, make sure your kids know the rules in advance. Make sure your children are aware of rooms that are open to your cat. Make sure that your children know if the cat is strictly an indoor cat. By making the rules well known to your children, your children will understand what is and is not allowed.

Why is your cat meowing? If you stay around a cat for a period of time you will figure out what their verbal cues mean. Your cat could be hungry or thirsty, or it may want to leave the house. Understand your cat’s preferences, and you’ll be that much better off.

Don’t throw away your cat’s old scratching post. Cats prefer used scratching posts. Something new is not necessarily better for a cat, and it may lead them to scratching the furniture.

Feed canned food to your cat. It is usually more expensive than dry food, but it is more beneficial. Canned foods are also richer in fat, proteins and will help hydrate your cat. Older cats also find it easier to chew up. You should listen to what your vet recommends, though.

When you bring a second cat into your home, allow a few weeks for the two to adjust to each other. Do not expect an instant friendship. Instead, look for them to hide frequently, hiss and possibly even become physical with each other. Eventually, they become used to each other and are comfortable together.

Litter Box

Think carefully about where you put the litter box for your cat. It is temping to put it someplace where the odor will not be noticed. But the most important factor is making sure your cat can easily access its littler box. You want your cat to feel comfortable using their litter box. If the litter box is on a hard surface, make sure to put something soft underneath it.

Be aware of your cat stopping their litter box usage. Many feline health conditions can cause a cat to urinate and defecate in random places outside of their litter box. Infections and problems with the kidneys and bladder may be the culprit. Speak with your vet if your pet stops using the litter box.

If you notice your cat is not using the litter box, try moving it to a new location. A cat’s instinct tells him that eliminating puts him in a vulnerable state, so try putting his litter box in a safe, quiet area of the house. The best places are basements and laundry rooms.

Cat Happy

As you are no doubt aware, cats can be wonderful pets. Keeping your cat happy and healthy means learning as much as you can about cat care. Read this article again if need be. Use this information to keep your cat happy and healthy.

Feral cats are felines that wander the street. These abandoned kittens make up nearly half of the population of domesticated felines and can become a troublesome pest if you live in urban areas. This problem can cost your business thousands and cause you to lose customers.

You must always take your cat for regular vet check-ups. There are shots and vaccinations that are standard and necessary for your cat. It is best to always take your cat to the same veterinarian. This person will be more knowledgeable on your cat’s history.

Some cats like to scratch up floors and furniture. Purchase a scratching post to stop your cat from destroying your home. Encourage your cat to scratch where you want them to. Eventually it will cause you less of a headache.

Cats are generally nocturnal. They are often active at nighttime. If your cats are busy keeping you awake early, just close your bedroom door. It also protects your toes from those crafty midnight pounces.

Litter Box

Pick a good spot for the cat’s litter box. You shouldn’t keep it near your pet’s food, and you shouldn’t keep it in an area people walk through a lot. It is also advisable to keep the litter box area ventilated to control odor. Both you and your pet will appreciate that.

Give your kitty lots of love. They want warm companionship since that’s what they provide to you. Without love, cats may not socialize with your family. They’ll know they are accepted as members of the family if they get plenty of loving attention.

Cover the area around your cat’s bowl with a cloth. Cats will sometimes pluck food from the bowl and enjoy it straight off the ground. Sometimes, this results in food outside the bowl that you have to clean up. An easier way to do that is to either buy a placemat and put it underneath the cat bowl, or to cut a bit of fabric to use as a tablecloth that you can pick up and wash or shake over the garbage can.

Don’t let your cat go outside. Letting your cat outside greatly increases his risk level. There is a chance your cat can contract fleas or perhaps something much worse. Other animals and vehicles could also injure your cat. If letting your cat outdoors is important to you, let them out in a safe fenced area.

Do you happen to own both a dog and a cat? Dogs will eat cat food right up. Feed your pets in different areas of the house, and monitor them while they eat. In doing so, you prevent spats and spitting over competition for water.

Is your pet’s scratching post starting to look beat up? Don’t toss it out! While it doesn’t appear clean and new, your cat probably thinks otherwise. For a cat, it is comfortable and familiar. There is a good chance if you got rid of it and bought a new one that your cat would start scratching up your furniture.

This article has given you some great tips on how to deal with cats. They can cause damage to your yard or attack your pets. Cats need to be handled carefully, as they are sensitive. You might even take to one of the feral cats.

Cats are one of the most popular household pets for many different reasons. They’re fun to pet, play with and watch sleep, plus they get rid of mice. By preventing pests from getting into the home, it is safe to say cats are real heroes.

Any drape cords should be hidden so the cat cannot grab hold of them. The cats will start playing with the cords and they can easily wrap around their necks. This is an extreme choking hazard and should be prevented at all costs. Be sure your drape cords are strongly secured.

Properly groom your cat. Cats need to be combed or brushed regularly. If you brush cats on a regular basis, it will keep their coats clean and attractive. Having a clean fur coat helps reduce the amount of hairballs that get spit up around the house. Your cat should be kept groomed so that they look great and you’ll also make your home look good.

Cats are curious by nature, which can end up getting them into trouble. If you keep a collar on your pet, getting stuck in one of these spaces can be very dangerous. If your pet is wearing a breakaway collar, it’ll detach if it’s pulled too hard. Using this collar will prevent your cat from injuring itself.

Take your cat to the vet regularly to make sure they remain in good health. They should go at least once yearly for a check-up, and more often if they need any shots. If your cat is having a health issue or injury, they need to be seen by their vet right away.

A tagged collar is essential if you let your cat outside regularly. Cats enjoy traveling far away, so a tag can help your cat get back home when lost. The tag needs your phone number and cat’s name at the minimum.

Your cat’s claws can wreck havoc on your furniture. Buy a scratching post if you need to protect the furniture in your home. It is much better if your cat uses his claws on that, rather than your furniture. Although this may take time, your cat should eventually claw the device rather than your furniture.

It’s not easy convincing your pet that the kitchen counter is a no-cats zone. One thing they like about it is they enjoy being high up. One way to combat this behavior is to proved your cat with an elevated place it is okay to climb on. Placing a cat tower near the kitchen will help the cats to not lay on the counter.

Keep your cat away from boredom. Cats require plenty of exercise. Sadly, this is overlooked by many cat owners. A lack of stimulation can lead to psychological or medical problems for your cat, including depression, compulsive disorders, and chronic misbehavior. Give them lots of space for exercise and plenty of toys they can play with. If your cats are kept inside, set up a carpet lined scratching pad or post. There are many climbing structures that can be purchased or made for cats who enjoy heights.

Your cat needs to be shown lots of love. They want the same level of companionship that they give to you as their owner. Without love, cats may not socialize with your family. They need to feel as though they are an important part of the family, as well.

A cat may not be just like a dog, but they are a great addition to a family. Cats will go for the kill, unlike dogs. This is just one of the reasons cats are popular. Get a cat today.

Cats are playful and fun animals, and you’ll soon waste whole afternoons playing games with your cats. To distract them from you for awhile, give them a new game or toy. These don’t need to be expensive, and some are even free. It doesn’t need to be costly to have a good time with your cat. Follow along and you should have no problem with things.

Cats need a certain amount of grooming to stay healthy and presentable. You have to make sure your cat gets brushed or combed often. If you do this frequently you’ll be able to help the cat have clean fur. In addition, it helps decrease shedding, which results in less hairballs. Keep your cat looking at its best by grooming it well.

Get your cat to a vet on a regular basis for the best health possible. Your cat should always go to the vet for a check up, especially if they need shots. If there are more pressing health problems, take your cat to the vet right away.

An outdoor cat must always wear a tag on its collar. Cats can get lost, and they need a tag to be found. At least put your phone number and pets name on the tag.

A microchip will allow you to find your pet if it is lost. You may not have had trouble with your cat getting loose previously, but it can happen at any time by accident. Cats can get out of a collar or, worse, have that collar choke them to death. You can use a microchip instead; you can store your contact information in the chip and it will not bother your cat. Every shelter and most veterinarian offices have microchip scanners that can read the chips, and best of all, they chips can’t be lost.

Children usually take well to cats, but if you have a small child, you may need to provide some instruction. Make sure your child knows how to pet a cat. Children need to know how to hold a cat and what sorts of play a cat likes. Cats should be handled more gently since their bones are more fragile than those of dogs.

Set a tablecloth under your cat’s food bowl. Some cats like removing food from their bowl and eating it beside their bowl. This creates extra work since you must then clean up the leftover loose food. Something as simple as a place mat can help make cleanup easier.

Talk to people you know about any cat problems you’re having. You can solve most problems by yourself, but you might benefit from the experience of others. Your local veterinarian can be a valuable source of information, but there is also help available online by joining user forums geared toward cat owners.

If you take advantage of this advice, you can start having happy times with your cat this instant. Not all cats will like every approach, but most do. A cat that’s happy and healthy is going to live longer and be more active during his lifespan.

Cats have co-existed with people for many centuries. They have inspired films, books and even poetry. A cat is a very intriguing animal but you will be able to form a strong bond with this pet. In the following paragraphs, you’ll find tips on how to be a better cat owner.

Deter cats from shocking themselves on electrical wires by spraying them with bitter apple. If this does not work, make sure you cover the cords. You can take loose cords, bundle them up, and stick them inside the tube from an old roll of paper towels. All thin cords should be put up when you’re not using them.

Normally cats are nocturnal animals. Do not be surprised if your cat is very active at night. If you are having a hard time sleeping because of your cats, close the door. This should help them from waking you during the night, pouncing on your feet under the covers.

Cats appreciate all the affection you can give. Cats need companionship as much as we do. Cats thrive when treated like part of the household, so involve them in daily activities around the house. Make her feel like she is part of your family.

When you purchase a kitten for your child, set rules and boundaries beforehand. Make sure everyone understands which parts of the house the cat is not allowed in. Make sure the kids know if your cat is indoors only. Setting rules in advances ensures understanding.

Take care if you leave a kitten with youngsters. Children under 5 years of age should not be alone with the pet. Little children do not have the necessary skills yet to handle a pet by themselves. As they age, you can determine how much interaction they should have with the animal.

Cats do not need to be taught how they should use the cat litter box. This will be something that the cat does on its own and it usually is not learned fro another. Many people believe that taking your cat to the box and rubbing their paws in the litter is a good idea, but it may actually traumatize them.

Canned food is usually the best option for your cat. Dry food is less expensive, but canned food provides more benefits. The water content is higher, and there is more protein and fat in the canned food. Canned food is much easier to chew for older cats. You should ask your vet for some recommendations if you are not sure what kind of food to get.

If your cat or kitten begins to urinate frequently or in places other than his litter box, a trip to the vet may be in order. This behavior may be indicative of an infection of the urinary tract or some other issue. Inexpensive antibiotics generally clear this right up.

Litter Box

Carefully consider where you will locate your cats’ litter box. You are surely tempted to put it where the smell will affect your surroundings the least. You have to accept the fact that easy access for your cat is the first priority in choosing a spot for the litter box. To satisfy a cat’s demanding requirements, the litter box needs to be sited somewhere convenient and comfortable. Instead of just keeping the box on cold cement, add a rug or mat beneath it.

Your cat probably believes that it is the head of the household. However, if you utilize the advice above, you can show your cat who’s really in charge. Cats work well as pets, especially if you follow the advice listed here.

A lot of new cat owners are not sure about what they should expect. Finding a pet without preparing first is a terrible mistake. There are many problems that you will still face even if you do your homework. But to lessen the issues early on, use the advice shared here!

Keep your drapery cords out of the reach of your cat. Do not let your cat play with these. If the cords are in loops and the cat jumps into them or plays with them, they could possibly get them caught around their neck. This is incredibly dangerous as it could be fatal for your cat. Hang your drapery cords out of your cats’ sight to avoid this.

Contact local shelters if you want to adopt a cat. Shelters have great pets available for adoption, and the fee isn’t that high. You really are saving a life and keeping the feline population in check all in one!

Your cat will want to climb into small spaces. They can get caught or stuck if they happen to be wearing a collar. A breakaway collar let’s go if pulled on tightly. That’ll keep kitty safe.

It’s very important to get your cat microchipped. Even indoor cats can decide to run away at a moment’s notice, escaping through an open window. While a collar with a tag is useful, remember that your cat may be able to escape from the collar while they are away. Collars can also harm your cat if they get caught. A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and can hold all of your contact information. Most shelters and veterinarians can scan your pet to read the information on the chip, and the chip cannot be lost since it is beneath the skin.

Cats are often nocturnal creatures. This means that they will be the most active at night time. If you find that your nocturnal kitties are waking you up in the middle of the night, the solution may be as simple as closing the door to your bedroom. This will ensure you sleep much better, without cats jumping into bed with you.

Most cats spend a large amount of time on grooming themselves. Long hair encourages hairballs. There are special foods that can ease this issue. Some food are produced specifically for hairball reduction, which will help.

You will often find ways to save money on medication for your cat on the Internet instead of getting it from your vet. Naturally, some stuff won’t be available online. However, for standard medications, like flea medications or heart worm pills, online sources offer a substantial savings to pet owners.

Try as hard as you can to understand the reason your cat meows at you. You need to learn what their meows mean. A meow could signal anything from hunger to a desire for affection. Know what your cats cries mean so that you’re able to understand the cat more.

Speak with other cat owners about any issues you may be having. You won’t have the knowledge to handle every cat issue properly, so take advantage of the experiences of others. You can locate forums about cats online if you search for them. On these forums you can ask for advice, or you can just speak with a vet.

Your cat should be acclimated to a carrier as a kitten. Introducing your cat to a carrier as a kitten can really help to make this easier. They respond better to encouragement. Place a loved blanket and favorite toy into a carrier and then leave the door open. Make sure it’s in an area that the cat frequents. The cat will enter it on its own. This will make getting the cat inside easier later.

If you’re adding an additional cat to your home, give the cats a few weeks to get to know each other. They may still hiss and growl when they are in the same room together. Eventually they are going to get used to each other, and they may even end up becoming best friends.

All the tips of training which you learned here apply to every cat breed, no matter how old or where they reside. These tips are the basics concerning cat care, and individual circumstances will apply. A newly adopted kitten should be a fun experience, and make sure that is foremost in your mind!

Cats are playful and fun animals, and you’ll soon waste whole afternoons playing games with your cats. However, if you decide to own a cat, you need to educate yourself on proper cat-care ideas. Spending money on a cat’s entertainment is not necessary, but it is fun sometimes. These tips will improve your abilities as an owner.

Cats really enjoy squeezing into any and all small spaces. If they’ve got a collar on, this may put them in danger as it can get stuck. Breakaway collars will “break” if they’re pulled too tight. This could save your cat’s life if the collar gets caught in some branches.

A lot of cat owners have a hard time keeping their cats off the counter. Cats enjoy heights, as they can monitor events from their perch. You can get your cat to quit doing this if you make areas that it can climb up to. The use of a cat tower within your kitchen or close by can help make the cats stay off the counter.

Avoid bladder crystals and stones by feeding high quality food. This problem is painful for the cat and to your wallet, as well. Look for foods that are low in magnesium for your cat. This means you should pay attention to labels on food. Products including fish have a higher magnesium content then poultry based products.

While cats are good pets for children generally, smaller children may treat them too roughly. It is important to show your child how to approach and handle a cat. Demonstrate the proper way to pick up a cat and what they can do with the cat. Cats don’t have strong bones like dogs do, so they need to be treated gently.

Do you own both a dog and a cat? Dogs often take advantage of dining on the cat’s food. Thus, you must keep cat food out of the dog’s reach. This also makes sure that the two don’t fight over water.

You may be find that your cat likes such games. A cat will bring so much joy to you. Help your cat enjoy a long, healthy life with these tips.

Cats need to be entertained. When left on their own, cats can climb all over your furniture and scratch everything up. Prevent this from happening by investing in some cat toys. Continue reading to learn some excellent advice on how to raise the best cat.

Cats love to squeeze into tiny spots. If your cat wears a collar they might get hurt, and stuck. The advantage to a breakaway type collar is that if enough pressure is put on it, it will just let go rather than strangle the cat. This could save your cat’s life!

If your cat is older or sick, a heating pad may provide comfort. Put a square foot of terra cotta tile into your oven heated to 200 degrees. Keep the tile in the oven for about 15 minutes. Use an old towel to wrap it up safely before placing it beneath your cat’s favorite napping spot. If you want, you can change it for a newly warmed tile a few hours later.

It is a good idea to microchip your cat. Indoor cats could run out your door or jump out the window. Although they provide the information needed to find your beloved pet, they can also accidentally get caught or even be wiggled out of. A teeny microchip can hold your contact information. Many vets and shelters have scanners that can read these chips and since they lie under their skin, they won’t get lost.

Do not allow your cat to be bored frequently. Cats require plenty of exercise. Many owners just don’t have time. Bored cats can develop depression and other harmful health conditions. Give them time and space where they can exercise and toys they can play with. Indoor cats will appreciate having a structure they can climb on or a dedicated scratching post.

Cats are partially nocturnal. Your cat will probably be very active during the night. If your cats are busy keeping you awake early, just close your bedroom door. Your cat will not bother you in the middle of the night if this area is off limit.

Location is key when placing a litter box. Try and put it in an isolated area away from the cat bowl. To minimize odors, keep it in a spot that’s well ventilated. Both you and your cat will be happier.

Are you the owner of both a dog and cat? That dog will really love stalking (and eating) that cat food. Thus, you must keep cat food out of the dog’s reach. The added benefit is that you will prevent fights over the other animals food and water when one of them runs out.

Cats generally are pretty energetic, and you have to know how to get on their level to care for them. Keep cats occupied and from ruining furniture. Use the recommendations from this article and others to help keep your cat and home happy.

It is very enjoyable owning a cat. However, it should be noted that owning cat also requires a lot of hard work. Responsibilities come with the happiness a cat brings to you. Thankfully, this piece will explain some of these responsibilities. Keep reading and learn a little something about caring for your cat.

Don’t let your cats play with drape cords. If the cat becomes caught in a loop, they could choke to death. This could kill them. Secure your cords so they are out of the way and out of sight.

Local rescue organizations are a great place to look for a new pet cat. Shelters have a lot of cats in them and you can get one adopted for a small fee. When you adopt a cat from a shelter, you save a life and help keep the cat population under control.

Cats enjoy finding small spaces to fit into. If they have to wear a collar then there may be a risk because your cat could end up getting stuck. Breakaway collars will “break” if they’re pulled too tight. This will allow your cat to live another day if it gets tangled up.

Some cats like to scratch up floors and furniture. Buy your cat a scratching posts to focus its attention off your furniture. When your cat scratches inappropriately, redirect him to the scratching post. This approach takes time, but it usually works.

Location is key when placing a litter box. Never put the box near your cat’s food, and pick a quiet place away from areas that are heavily used. Choose an area that is well-ventilated to avoid bad smells. Both you and your cat will reap its benefits.

You shouldn’t leave a young cat with children unattended. If the child is younger than 5, don’t leave them alone with a kitten. Their immaturity prevents them from understanding how easily they could hurt the kitten. When children get a little older, they develop the skills needed to be around small animals.

Litter Box

You cannot teach a cat to use a litter box. They will do it on their own and don’t need to be taught. While many pet owners try to introduce their cats to a litter box by rubbing their front paws in the sand, this can sometimes traumatize your furry friend.

Buy your cat a fountain it can drink from. This will make things more comfortable and homey for your cat. Cats seem to like a water stream better. In fact, the running water in a sink garnishes more attention from a cat than their water bowl usually does. Installing a drinking fountain for your cat is a more eco-friendly way to provide it with some running water.

Expect it to take several weeks for your current cat to accept a new cat in the home. They may hide from one another, hiss, or even swat each other. If you give them enough time though, chances are good they will befriend each other and enjoy the extra company.

Prior to adopting any long-haired cat, make sure you understand the extra work involved. There is no denying that long-haired cats are beautiful, but that beautiful coat takes a lot of work and also means a lot of shedding. Don’t adopt a cat with long fur unless you’re sure you can handle the extra cleaning. Also, give them the right food which is anti-hairball.

As you read, having a pet cat can be very beneficial. However, if you’re wishing for a good life for your pet, you need to learn to care for it well. If you’re ready to take the plunge and adopt a feline companion, keep this article’s information handy!